Rolls-Royce India has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) to foster innovation, skill development, and applied research in engineering and defence technology.
The partnership marks a significant step in strengthening India’s technology ecosystem through structured engagement between academic institutions and industry.
The MoU was signed by Prof. Sachin C. Patwardhan, Dean of Research and Development at IIT Bombay, and G.S. Selwyn, Executive Vice President of Rolls-Royce India and Managing Director of MTU India.
The signing ceremony was attended by senior representatives from both organizations, including Alex Zino, Director of Business Development and Future Programmes at Rolls-Royce UK.
Rolls-Royce and IIT Bombay’s Defence Engineering Internships for IIT Students
A key feature of the collaboration is the launch of internship opportunities for IIT Bombay students with Rolls-Royce’s defence engineering team in Bengaluru.
These internships will provide hands-on exposure to advanced engineering projects and allow students to work alongside experienced professionals in real-world defence applications.
The initiative is designed to equip students with practical skills and insights into the defence sector, aligning with India’s broader goals of self-reliance in strategic technologies.
Rolls-Royce emphasized that the internships will serve as a platform for nurturing future-ready talent capable of contributing to national innovation efforts.
Focus Areas: Innovation, Upskilling, and Joint Research
Beyond internships, the partnership will support joint research initiatives in areas of shared interest.
Key focus areas include propulsion systems, advanced manufacturing, and digital engineering.
The collaboration also includes upskilling programs for students and faculty, aimed at enhancing technical and leadership capabilities.
“This partnership reflects our broader commitment to building strategic collaborations that advance shared ambitions in innovation, talent development, and technology leadership,” said G.S. Selwyn.
He added that the engagement would unlock new opportunities to co-create solutions through structured collaboration between academia and industry.
IIT Bombay will take the lead in identifying key research themes and coordinating faculty participation.
This will help ensure the partnership stays aligned with national priorities and evolving technological demands.
Supporting India’s Tech Self-Reliance Goals
The Rolls-Royce–IIT Bombay collaboration aligns with India’s push for self-reliance in critical technologies, particularly in defence and aerospace.
By integrating academic expertise with industrial capabilities, the initiative aims to strengthen the country’s engineering talent pool and accelerate innovation.
Global firms are increasingly investing in Indian institutions. This trend is part of their long-term strategies to develop skilled talent and strengthen innovation pipelines.
Rolls-Royce has previously collaborated with Indian academic institutions.
This new agreement reflects a stronger commitment to co-developing solutions and nurturing local expertise.
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